Written answers

Thursday, 4 November 2021

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

National Development Plan

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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219. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider revising the National Development Plan to prioritise balanced regional development; the major projects that are earmarked to benefit County Mayo; if he will advise on particular projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45640/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Development Plan (NDP) specifically aims towards achieving balanced regional development and ensuring that investment is in line with the requirements of the National Planning Framework. The rationale is set out in great detail in the review of the NDP and in the revised NDP itself.The NDP has been approved by Government and there is no scope for further change at this point. With regard to the specific projects the Deputy is enquiring about, the following is the position:

Ireland West Airport Knock

A new Regional Airports Programme for the period 2021 to 2025 was published on 4 February 2021. This Programme will continue to support Ireland’s smallest airports, which are those, including Ireland West Airport, that operate scheduled services and handle less than 1 million annual passengers. Ireland West Airport, along with other eligible airports, will shortly be given the opportunity to submit their capital project proposals for consideration for funding in 2022.

Western Rail Corridor

Scope for the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor will be included in the Strategic Rail Review. I expect the Reviewwill be completed within 12 months.

R312

My Department has received a Specific Grant application form Mayo County Council for further works on the R312 recently and this application will now be assessed. Any projects put forward for consideration are examined taking existing commitments, competing projects and available budgets into account.

N5 Westport to Turlough

Following approval by Government, the main construction contract for the N5 Westport to Turlough was signed with Wills BAM JV on 29th October 2019. Works are approximately 50% complete and it is expected that completion will be achieved in Q4 2022.

N17 Knock to Collooney

This project is being progressed by Sligo County Council in conjunction with Mayo County Council. The Design Team is currently progressing the Route Option Selection stage.

N26/N59 Ballina Bypass Phase 1

A Strategic Assessment Report for the scheme was approved by my Department in March 2021. The Concept and Feasibility Phase was completed in July 2021 and the Option Selection Phase has commenced. On this basis TII would expect preferred option selection to occur next year, before the project is taken to the next approval stage in the Public Spending Code process, taking account of available funds.

N26 Foxford to Mount Falcon Road project

The Preferred Route for this proposed road scheme was adopted by Mayo County Council in July 2015. The further progression of the scheme was suspended due to funding constraints and the requirement for TII to focus on the progression of those schemes that were identified for development during the period of the NDP 2018-2027. The position remains unchanged for the revised NDP.

N84 Ballinrobe Relief Road

In 2009 an emerging preferred route for the N84 Ballinrobe Bypass was ratified by Mayo County Council. Following this approval, the route was included in the Ballinrobe Local Area Development Plan. The scheme is currently suspended, meaning the project will be held at its current phase of the design process. The route will remain protected for planning purposes to safeguard the line of the proposed road from any development that could prejudice the construction and safe operation of the road.

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